Preds top pick is USA Hockey’s college player of the year

Created 06/03/2009 - 12:00am

Colin Wilson, the Nashville Predators’ first pick in the 2008 draft (seventh overall), will be presented USA Hockey’s College Player of the Year award Wednesday during a ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo.

As a sophomore, he finished second in the country with 55 points (16 goals, 39 assists) for Boston University, which won the NCAA championship. He also was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to college hockey’s top player, and a first-team All-American.

Additionally, the Greenwich, Conn. native was a member of both the U.S. national team at the World Championships and the U.S. junior national team at the World Junior Championships. He had two assists in nine games at the World Championships, his first experience with the senior national team.

The Player of the Year award will be one of several presented at USA Hockey’s “A Night of Tribute,” part of the organization’s annual four-day congress.

Wilson signed with the Predators on April 17 and thus gave up his final two seasons of college eligibility.

He will participate in Nashville’s developmental camp for prospects (July 6-13) and will be in training camp for the first time with the team when it opens on Sept. 12.

Hockeysfuture.com recently rated him as the top prospect in Nashville’s organization.

In its ‘talent analysis,’ the Web site said: “Wilson is an instinctive player blessed with a wonderful combination of size, power and elite-level skill. However, his greatest attribute is his tremendous hockey sense. Wilson thinks and understands the game remarkably well. … The confidence that he exudes and his ability to step up his game when called upon are matched by his intensity and relentless pursuit of excellence.”

USA Hockey, Inc., founded in 1936-37, is the national governing body for the sport of ice hockey in the United States. Its mission is to promote the growth of hockey in America.

Briefly

Playing spots and sponsorship opportunities are available for the 12th Annual First Tennessee Dr. Mac Memorial Golf Tournament, which benefits the Nashville Predators Foundation.

This year’s event will take place Sept. 9 at Vanderbilt Legends Club. Foursomes are available at $2,400 each and individual spots at $650.

More information is available at (615) 770-2321 or nashvillepredators.com/golf.